Dayton wants Minnesota union law cases tossed

ST. PAUL – Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration has responded to a federal lawsuit seeking to block unionization of certain in-home day care providers with a court filing saying opponents lack standing to sue.

New filings came Monday in one of two federal cases aiming to undo a new law paving the way for a union election. The administration wants both lawsuits dismissed and will argue for that in a July 18 court hearing.

In the filing, Minnesota Solicitor General Alan Gilbert says the case is not ripe because many steps must occur before the suing party can prove harm. A union can’t be formed if supporters of organizing day care workers fail along the way.

The plaintiffs contend that a union would compel independent business owners to join and pay dues regardless of their stance.